Model Year | 2014 | 2012 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Buick Enclave | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000 |
3.6L V6 DOHC-4v 288 hp@6300 270 lb-ft@3400 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 118.9 in | -11.1 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 201.8 in | -10.3 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 79.0 in | -6 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 72.2 in | -14.6 in |
Curb Weight | 3635 lb. | 4780 lb. | -1145 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 22.0 gal. | -3.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 40.4 in | -1.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 62.0 in | -4.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 57.4 in | -2.4 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 41.3 in | 0.8 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 39.0 in | -1.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 61.4 in | -4.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 57.0 in | -2.7 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 36.9 in | -0.1 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 37.2 in | -37.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 57.4 in | -57.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 48.3 in | -48.3 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 33.2 in | -33.2 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 111.4 in (over 3 rows) | -32.5 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 16.3 ft3 | 18.9 ft3 | -2.6 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 16.3 | 67.5 ft3 | -51.2 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 16.3 ft3 | 116.2 ft3 | -99.9 ft3 |
2014 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
On paper, the Malibu's rear seat is only a little tighter than those in the 2008-2012 sedan and in competing cars. In person, rear knee room would only be marginally competitive in the compact sedan segment. Sitting behind my 5-9 self, my shins graze the front seatbacks. GM is rushing some revised seats to market. But if past attempts to fix a cramped rear seat are any indication, this won't make a substantial difference. The rear seat in the Ford Fusion is roomier, if also short of the segment's quasi-limos. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2014 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2014 | 4dr Sedan 196-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Both front & rear compartments very roomy & comfortable. Again, this is noted improvement over our 2009 Malibu. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2014 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 182-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
This is tight if front seats are postioned at or close to the back of their range; shorter wheelbase in this model compared to prior version. Rear seat access is excellent (i.e, for infant car seats, small item transport). see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2012 Buick Enclave Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr SUV 288-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Very comfortable seats for long trips. Lots of adjustment see full Buick Enclave review |
2012 Buick Enclave Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 0 | The headrests on the two front seats are a NIGHTMARE! I had to recline my driver's seat slightly because the headrest pushes my head and neck so far forward, it was causing me to have pain and spasms in my neck and shoulders! I don't know who signed of on this design, but they were clearly asleep that day! I've heard this issue has been addressed in newer models and (I think) there is a newer option for which you can swap out these awful headrests. I may look into that... see full Buick Enclave review |